Pennsylvania voters support 52 - 42 percent a proposal by the State Legislature to raise state
income taxes from 2.8 to about 3 percent and use the extra money for education, according to a
Quinnipiac University poll released today. Voters support 50 - 43 percent hiking taxes even
higher if the money is used for new education programs.

While voters continue to back his tax plan, Gov. Ed Rendell 's approval has slipped to
46 - 34 percent, his lowest rating in his first year in office. This compares to a 50 - 28 percent
approval in an October 16 poll by the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN uh-pe-ack) University.

"In poll after poll this year, a majority of Pennsylvania voters have said they would
pay higher income tax to get more money for education. Now 52 percent are willing to pay
for the small increase proposed by Senate leaders, and 50 percent support a larger increase
like that proposed by Gov. Rendell - if the money goes for new education programs," said
Clay F. Richards, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.

"Very seldom in polling do you see this kind of constant support for a tax increase:
It only happens when there is something the voters want badly."

"Gov. Rendell has been battered during his first year in office, but considering the
state of the Pennsylvania economy and the constant attacks from Republicans in the
legislature, he is doing okay with the voters. The legislature, which has failed to pass a
plan to fund education or give property tax relief all year, is given a dismal negative rating
by the voters. The governor is the clear winner in round one of his public opinion battle with
the Republican legislature," Richards added.

Only 12 percent blame Rendell for the state budget stalemate, while 23 percent blame the
State Legislature and 57 percent say both are equally to blame.

After one year in office, Rendell is doing "as expected," 62 percent of Pennsylvania voters
say, while 13 percent say he is doing better than expected and 19 percent say worse than
expected.

Rendell is "honest and trustworthy" voters say 57 - 27 percent, and voters approve 44 -
38 percent of the way he is handling education. He gets a negative 37 - 48 percent for his
handling of taxes.

But the legislature gets a negative 32 - 51 percent approval for its handling of education
and a negative 29 - 56 percent approval for its handling of taxes.

From December 11 - 14, Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,092 Pennsylvania registered
voters with a margin of error of +/- 3 percent.

The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts public
opinion surveys in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and the nation as a
public service and for research.
For additional data -- www.quinnipiac.edu and quicklinks

TREND: Do you approve or disapprove of the way Ed Rendell is handling his job
as Governor?

27. The state legislature is considering a plan that would raise the state
income tax from the present 2.80 percent to about 3 percent to help pay for
state aid to education. That would mean about $75 more per year in income taxes
for someone making $50,000. Do you support or oppose this plan?

29. Who do you blame for the eight month budget standoff in Harrisburg that
left Pennsylvania schools without their usual state school aid subsidies
Governor Rendell, the State Legislature, or are they both equally to blame?